1974 Renault 12 vs. 1967 Volvo 120
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Volvo 120 (89 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Volvo 120 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 Volvo 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1967 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1967 Volvo 120 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1967 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1967 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2610 mm |
